Mansfield sign Preston striker Smith for free
Michael Smith has scored 159 goals in 623 appearances over the course of a 16-year career so far
- Published
Mansfield Town have signed experienced striker Michael Smith on a free transfer from Preston North End.
The 34-year-old scored three goals in 37 games for the Lilywhites in the Championship last season.
Smith was at Sheffield Wednesday for three seasons between 2022 and 2025, where he netted 33 times in 127 appearances in all competitions.
He has also had spells with Rotherham United, Bury, Portsmouth and Swindon Town across all three EFL divisions.
"We were a little bit surprised Michael was available. He gives us such a different option to the strikers we currently have," Stags boss Nigel Clough told the club website, external.
"He's a proven goalscorer at this level and I think he will be a very good asset in both penalty areas."
Smith, who joins on a two-year deal, is Mansfield's third summer signing after they finished 10th in League One in 2025-26. following the permanent arrival of midfielder Jon Russell and veteran forward David McGoldrick.
"Michael complements our forwards very well and we're delighted to bring in two experienced strikers so far," Clough added.
Follow Mansfield Town on BBC Sounds
Pre-match, post-match and topical Stags content
Subscribe and listen for everything you love about Mansfield Town
